Esteban Carreras Chupacabra Habano Robusto Grande Review

 

Esteban Carreras Chupacabra Habano Robusto Grande Review

9/23/2022

If you haven't heard of this brand, do yourself a favor and try one. I smoked my first Hellcat mid 2022 and it became my favorite. This is the same but instead of the San Andreas wrapper, it has a Nicaraguan Habano Oscuro wrapper.  Same flavors, but not quite as flavorful and maybe milder.

Haven't tried the Maduro version, but I would bet it is as equally good. 

Lighting it up, seems pretty tame but nice and mellow. I guess I like Nicaraguan tobaccos the best and that is what this one delivers. This box was packed Feb 2022, so it has at least 6 months aging. I've had it a month. 

First 15 min or first inch is mellow, not that great at first, but no harsh tones, slight tastes of caramel. Pretty smooth and satisfying. The Hellcats I have are like 10 years old and smoke a lot better, more flavor and has twice as much smoke with each puff. May need to age this one a few years. But still a great smoke, just a tad tight on the draw (well not really, just remembering how the Hellcat was so full of clouds of easy smoking). 

 

Now starting to add sweetness of sugar. Pretty complex flavors, can really taste it in your nose, with no harshness at all. This is definitely a fine cigar. Don't smoke this out fishing. Smoke it at the end of the day with a fine bourbon by the fire. It's a long enjoyable smoke for sure. 

Got 30 min in and not half done. You will get your dollars worth. Dropping it's ash a little early tells me these sticks need more aging, but still smoking great.

I'd call it medium body and flavor. 

Starting to add some cedar and rich capachino  flavors. It's definitely building in strength and flavor. Leaving good aftertaste. I rarely smoke while sipping on a drink. I like to shoot bourbon shots while smoking and this one goes nice with a fine bourbon. Tonight is 4 Rose which is smooth and sweet just like this smoke. 

Can't go wrong with this cigar. Definitely a great Nicaraguan puro that is undervalued. Hard to find, but go ahead and buy a box or two. The price is low enough  to pass these boys out and let everyone write a great review. I can't see anyone not enjoying this one and it will only get better with age. This will definitely compete with the big expensive brands that are sold out and rated top 5.

Still a little tight in draw, but very smooth. Is it a Padron 1964? Not quite, but just as satisfying. Less body, but just as complex and similar flavors, just milder, and lasts longer.  

Later I'll review the Hellcat, which this cigar is the milder version. Don't get me wrong, I'm feeling it now. It is now close to a full bodied cigar.  This is a great smoke, basically a great medium Nicaraguan puro. 

I'll review this one again after a year in the humidor and I bet it is much better. To me, this is what it's about. All these subtle flavors are all there, but I bet it gets better. 

I plan to try more from this brand. I hope they expand as this is what it is all about, flavorful and smooth smoking pleasure. 

Down to the last inch, a good hour in and only gaining more and more flavors. Definitely feeling it. No hot or harsh flavors, just smooth strong good flavors. Still great aftertaste. Not spongey, still smoking like a champ. 

Got to compliment the roller on this one. I'm buzzed now and can't really say anything bad. Expect an hour and half on this one. You just need to try it and confirm I'm not full of shit. 

Overall: 94

Flavor 94, complexity 93, burn 91, experience 93, value 95.